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Q: What happens if hardwood flooring is not allowed to acclimate long enough?

If you don't allow wood flooring to acclimate long enough, what happens? What are the issues that could occur? What are signs of a flooring job that has been botched as a result of rushed acclimation? Thanks for your help.

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hardwood floors acclimate long enough Flag / Report


  • A: Impatience



    Wood floors that haven't been allowed to acclimate long enough could shrink or swell causing buckles or gaps. If your floors have just been installed and you are seeing either of these this could be the problem. I hope this helps. God Bless!

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  • A: Un-acclimated Floors



    I hate to even see this question because that means something went wrong with your floor and it is going to cost some serious dough to fix or even replace. As D.S. stated above cupping, unevenness, straight edges, cracking can all occur and there isn't nothing you can do but tear out the affected boards and replace.

    You must let your new hardwood floors acclimate for no less then one week. I prefer two. Surely it is a pain having the flooring sitting around in your home, but I would rather wait two weeks and ensure a quality installation than installing in immediately and having to replace in within a couple of weeks.

    Flooring must adapt to the new surroundings. Many variables are present including altitude, moisture, the weather, the finished remodel, humidity. Make sure they acclimate effectively before installing.

    Be better safe than sorry. Unless you like replacing your new floors every couple weeks.

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    Apr 2, 2020

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